Franz Wagner's €207 Million Contract: A Game-Changer for German Basketball!

Orlando, USA - Franz Wagner is making headlines in the world of basketball, receiving a staggering €207 million contract from the Orlando Magic, spanning the next five years. This impressive deal, signed in July 2024, not only cements Wagner’s status as a key player for the German national team but also highlights his remarkable journey through basketball, culminating in a potential increase to a whopping $269 million if he reaches elite benchmarks in performance.

Born on August 27, 2001, in Berlin, Wagner is just 23 years old, yet he’s already left an indelible mark on both his club and international basketball. Having been with the Orlando Magic since 2021, his contributions were pivotal during the 2023/24 season, which was the franchise’s best in 13 years. Notably, his new contract surpasses the total earnings of basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki over his illustrious 21-year career—now that’s a benchmark worth mentioning! Watson reports that Wagner’s stellar performance has earned him accolades across the board, including eligibility for 30% of the Magic’s salary cap should he make the All-NBA team.

The Wagner Brothers

Wagner shares the court with his brother, Moritz, who also plays for the Magic and recently signed a two-year contract estimated at $22 million. The bond between the two is evident; they not only play together but also share a home in Orlando. Though Moritz will miss the upcoming 2025 European Championship due to recovery from a torn ACL, fans still rally behind the dynamic duo who helped secure a bronze medal for Germany at the 2022 European Championship and triumphed in the 2023 World Cup.

Their mother, Beate Wagner, a notable doctor and medical journalist, recently published a book chronicling her sons’ remarkable journeys to the NBA. Beate stands at an impressive 1.86 meters, while their father, Axel Schulz, a former youth national handball player, measures 1.96 meters. It’s no surprise that the Wagner brothers inherited athletic prowess, and their family’s support is evident as they continue to rise in the sport.

Career Highlights

Franz’s career began at Alba Berlin, where he quickly made a name for himself, even earning the title of Best German Young Player in 2019. After a successful stint in college basketball with the Michigan Wolverines, he was drafted 8th overall by the Orlando Magic, setting the stage for a flourishing career. He hit the ground running, averaging 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in the previous season. His rise has been meteoric, marked by significant milestones like scoring a career-high 38 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in December 2021 and earning accolades such as being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

His contribution to international play has also been noteworthy. He represented Germany in several competitions, with performances that caught the eye of the basketball community. He played a vital role in securing a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and averaged 18.5 points per game during the 2024 Olympics, earning a spot on the All-Second Team of the tournament according to Sportschau.

As Wagner prepares to compete in the 2025 European Championship from August 27 to September 14 across multiple countries, the basketball world eagerly anticipates how this young star will continue to shine. With his evident talent and determination, there is certainly much more to come from Franz Wagner, both in the NBA and on the international stage. With every game played, it feels like the young athlete is just getting started on his extraordinary journey.

For more information on his early career and achievements, visit his detailed biography on Wikipedia.